The spouse of the primary applicant, as well as any migrating dependent above the age of 18 years, must demonstrate they have at least functional level English proficiency as one of the requirements for the Skilled Migrant visa to be granted. Taking the IELTS or another acceptable English proficiency test is one of the ways of establishing the English proficiency where the applicant is expected to achieve a score of at least 4.5 bands in the test to prove Functional level English. Spouses and dependents of applicants who can demonstrate that they have completed a post-secondary level qualification or a degree with English as the medium of instruction and examination are understood to be having Functional level English and thereby exempted from the test. Another alternate to taking the test is, paying the Adult Migrant English program fee to the DIBP and taking the classes upon reaching Australia. Therefore, while having functional English proficiency is mandatory for the spouse and dependents of applications for Skilled Migration to Australia, taking IELTS/PTE/TOEFL or other acceptable English proficiency test may not be mandatory.
